Spark and Throttle Rods Very Difficult to Move

E

Ed in Maine

Well-known member
We have a club member who just purchased and 1930 Tudor which has throttle and spark levers which are difficult to move. I have removed the connecting rods to the distributor and the throttle bracket and the problem is not there. Is there anything that can be done without removing the steering column? Ed
 
The large 3 hole bushing at the top of the steering column where the spark and throttle rods pass thru is of "pot metal composition" and is prone to deteriorate and swell causing the levers to bind. Most likely you will need to replace the bushing. You can try as nkaminar suggests and apply penetrating oil and work the levers to see if they will free up. If not, replacement is in order. Good luck on that one.
 
If the bushing is really tight, sometimes you can get it to loosen up with some yellow Timesaver, available at the usual dealers. This is a grinding compound that only grinds the softer metal, meaning the pot metal. If you take the springs off at the bottom you can move the rods up and down to assist getting the Timesaver into the bushing.
 
Having been one to replace a pot metal bushing before, I can attest to the difficulty level of that task. I had to remove the column jacket (2-tooth) to make it easier to cut it out of there. I tried pounding it out to no avail. If it has a 7-tooth then it would be even more fun. The modern replacements are aluminum so they are easier to deal with.
 
A lot depends on the condition of the bushing where the steering shaft comes through. Some get so worn that the shaft will move around more than it should. The new ones have cotton duck piece of sleeve in there thats held in by the way the bore it cut on the inside to leave a lip on both sides to hold the sleeve in there. The sleeve can be oiled but I rub grease into it before reassembly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top